Buzzing Groaning Rattling Noise from Rear of Vehicle – 2000-2001 Ford Taurus & Mercury Sable

EXHAUST – CONTACTS REAR CONTROL ARM RESULTING IN “GROANING”, “BUZZING” AND/OR “RATTLING” NOISE NOISE – “GROANING”, “BUZZING” AND/OR “RATTLING” FROM REAR OF VEHICLE

 

FORD:	2000-2001 TAURUS
MERCURY:	2000-2001 SABLE

 

Some vehicles may exhibit a “buzzing”, “groaning” and/or “rattling” noise from the rear of the vehicle.

 

This may be caused by the exhaust pipe contacting the rear driver’s side lower control arm when carrying passengers in the rear seat or with heavy cargo loaded in the trunk.

 

ACTION:

Loosen the U-bolt exhaust clamp (located rearward of the catalyst) and twist the exhaust to gain clearance between the rear control arm and exhaust pipe.

This should move the exhaust enough to reduce the possibility of the pipe contacting the control arm.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Inspect the exhaust pipe and rear lower control arm for signs of contact.
2. If contact is evident, loosen the exhaust U-clamp located rearward of the catalyst.
3. Grind off the exhaust pipe alignment tab using a grinder. The tab is located in front of the U-clamp and is only used as an alignment assembly aid.
4. Twist the exhaust pipe to increase clearance between pipe and lower control arm.
5. Tighten U-clamp.

NOTE: THE PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE THAT RUNS IN FRONT OF THE FUEL TANK SHOULD BE LEVEL.